Summer Camp Overview

Fuel Curiosity at CLCNWI's Summer Camps!

We offer one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences that will wow your kids while encouraging them to learn through summer break. They'll have opportunities to explore exciting new topics and the world of science that is all around them through outdoor investigations, classic experiments, and brand new experiences!  It is our primary goal to offer each and every learner a safe and comfortable environment for them to learn, explore, and grow all summer long.

All summer camps are stimulating, age-appropriate, and led by qualified educators to provide a safe, fun and thought-provoking experience. Activities are supported by NASA, the National Informal STEM Education Network, & Challenger Center Headquarters.

Please Note: When choosing a summer camp, schedule your child for the grade level that they will be entering or going into in the fall of 2025.

2025 SCHEDULE

NOTE: Camp sessions are not identical. Campers do different activities in June and July.

Senior Explorer Camp (4th - 6th Grade) - June 9th through June 13th & July 7th through July 11th

AstroTots Camp (K & 1st Grade) - June 16th through June 20th & July 14th through July 18th

Junior Explorer Camp (2nd & 3rd Grade) - June 23rd through June 27th & July 21st through July 25th

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• For full day camps (9 am - 2 pm), our camps will have a lunch break, and all camps will have periodic snack breaks. Snacks and lunches will not be provided on site, so please be sure to remember to send snacks, lunches, and drinks/water bottles each day of camp according to your child's needs.
• We will be spending time outdoors (weather depending) and exposed to outdoor elements, so please make sure your young scientist dresses accordingly (i.e. coats if it's chilly, tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, etc...). Sunscreen will not be available on site, so please keep skin care in mind when sending students.
• Drop off occurs no earlier that 10 minutes before camp. Pick up will occur promptly at 12 PM ( Astrotots ) / 2 PM (Junior & Senior) at the same door. Adults can remain in their vehicles lined up outside of Challenger, and staff will safely escort campers to their vehicles or guardians.
• Physical and/or verbal outbursts that affect or harm the camper and other camp attendees cannot be tolerated, and may result in a call home to parents or expulsion from camp.
• The use of cell phones for anything other than to contact parents or for emergency purposes will not be tolerated, so please advise your students to keep their phones put away throughout the entirety of the camp, or to always ask an adult in advance if they can use their cell phone.

***Prior to your child participating in a summer camp, these forms must be filled out, signed, and turned in WHILE REGISTERING FOR CAMP. Download all the forms here. PLEASE READ FORMS CAREFULLY. Thank you!***

SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING

As a community science center, CLCNWI is dedicated to the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and equity of educational opportunities in STEM.  Each year, we have been able to provide summer camp tuition assistance to families from Lake County faced with financial constraints thanks to our corporate sponsors and educational partners.  

This year, thanks to our Giving Tuesday Campaign contributors, we will be able to offer a limited number of Summer Camp Scholarships! To apply, complete the form located HERE.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

*Week-long day camps paid-in-full will include a $25 non-refundable service fee.

*Cancellation/Refund Request - 30 days or more prior to camp 
Written notification (email or letter) must be made no less than 30 days prior to the camp start date to receive a refund, excluding the non-refundable service fee. Due to the nature of our business, 30 days written notice is essential for us to refill the camper’s spot. 

*Cancellation/Refund Request - less than 30 days prior to camp
 No refunds will be offered for requests submitted less than 30 days prior to the camp start date, for any reason, including a positive Covid-19 test.

*No refunds will be given if:

• A camper leaves camp early due to missing home or parent request.
• A camper is sent home for behavioral reasons.
• A camper does not show up for camp.

*No Shows
 Please make every effort to arrive on time. Challenger Learning Center of NWI will verify absences by phoning the family of absent campers. For questions, please call 219-989-3250

*CANCELLATIONS 
If camp is cancelled by Challenger Learning Center for any other reason; participants will receive a full refund.